November 5, 2025 · An ethanol distillery, owned by Universal Robina Corporation (URC), spilled 255,000 cubic meters (67 million gallons) of wastewater into Bais Bay due to a collapsed wall, as confirmed by the Bais City government. As part of the Tañon Strait Protected SeascapeLocal Climate & EcologyProtected seascapeA specific category designated for coastal and marine areas of high ecological significance, balancing conservation with sustainable use, used in the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).Read more in the Glossary → (TSPS), Bais Bay is home to diverse species and habitats, including mangroveLocal Climate & EcologyMangrovesCoastal wetland ecosystems capable of sequestering massive amounts of blue carbon while buffering coastlines against storm surges.Read more in the Glossary → forests and coralLocal Climate & EcologyCoral reefs & bleachingMarine ecosystems that are highly sensitive to thermal stress, where elevated sea temperatures cause corals to expel symbiotic algae (bleaching).Read more in the Glossary → reefs, Mongabay reported.
DENR-EMBPH Laws & FrameworksDENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)The DENR bureau enforcing environmental compliance, monitoring air and water quality, and managing hazardous waste. It executes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, making its enforcement actions a direct operational and legal risk factor for infrastructure and industrial projects.Read more in the Glossary → Assistant Director Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe said that an estimated 3,000 fisherfolk were affected after they were prohibited from fishing, as well as 17 neighboring coastal villages. She stressed that URC should compensate the affected parties for environmental damage and livelihood disturbance. Fishing, swimming, and other coastal activities, including tourism initiatives, are suspended until discoloration is no longer visible.
The Bais City government has since declared a state of calamity through Resolution No. 960-25. Meanwhile, URC has stopped operations in the area following a cease-and-desist order from the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesPH Laws & FrameworksDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)The Philippine executive department managing forests, protected areas, mining permits, and pollution control. It is the primary regulatory counterparty for environmental compliance, natural capital valuation, and the issuance of permits governing resource extraction and land-use changes.Read more in the Glossary → (DENR) and is focusing on the community’s rehabilitation.
A disclosure by URC to the Philippine Stock Exchange specified that 127 personnel and 20 Coast Guard members are working together to repair the collapsed wall.
